What drives our aesthetic attraction to birds?

In the Anthropocene, the era when the imprint of humans on nature is pervasive across the planet, it is of utmost importance to understand human relationships with other species. The aesthetics of nature, and of species, is one of the values that plays a role in shaping human-nature relationships. Birds are ubiquitous across the world.

Immunogenicity of a 30-valent M protein mRNA group A Streptococcus vaccine.

Background: Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) causes both uncomplicated and severe invasive infections, as well as the post-infection complications acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Despite the high global burden of disease resulting from Strep A infections, there is not a licensed vaccine. A 30-valent M protein-based vaccine has previously been shown to be immunogenic in animal models and in a Phase I clinical trial (NCT02564237).

Research opportunities for the primary prevention and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute workshop report.

Primary prevention of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) encompasses the timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of the superficial group A (GAS) infections pharyngitis and impetigo. GAS is the only known inciting agent in the pathophysiology of the disease. However, sufficient evidence indicates that the uptake and delivery of primary prevention approaches in RHD-endemic regions are significantly suboptimal.

Structure-guided design of a broadly cross-reactive multivalent group a streptococcal vaccine.

The M protein of group A streptococci (Strep A) is a major virulence determinant and protective antigen. The N-terminal region of the M protein is variable in sequence, defines the M/emm type, and contains epitopes that elicit opsonic antibodies that protect animals from challenge infections. Although there are >200 M types of Strep A, there is now evidence that structurally related M proteins can be grouped into clusters and that immunity may be cluster-specific in addition to M type-specific.

Evolutionary predictors of the specific colors of birds.

Animal coloration is one of the most conspicuous aspects of human-perceived organismal diversity, yet also one of the least understood. In particular, explaining why species have specific colors (e.g.

Serum Immune Responses to Group A Streptococcal Antigens following Pharyngeal Acquisitions among Children in Cape Town, South Africa.

There is limited information on the human immune response following infection with group A (Strep A). Animal studies have shown, in addition to the M protein, that shared Strep A antigens elicit protective immunity. This study aimed to investigate the kinetics of antibody responses against a panel of Strep A antigens in a cohort of school-aged children in Cape Town, South Africa.

Assessment of root-specific promoters in banana and tobacco and identification of a banana TIP2 promoter with strong root activity.

Genetic modification is one possible strategy to generate bananas ( spp.) with resistance to the soil-borne pathogen causing Fusarium wilt. The availability of banana root-specific promoters to target transgene expression to the sites of infection would be beneficial.

Wildlife trade targets colorful birds and threatens the aesthetic value of nature.

A key component of nature's contribution to people is aesthetic value. Charismatic species rally public support and bolster conservation efforts. However, an insidious aspect to humanity's valuation of nature is that high value also drives wildlife trade, which can spearhead the demise of prized species.

The evolution of carotenoid-based plumage colours in passerine birds.

Many birds use carotenoids to colour their plumage yellow to red. Because birds cannot synthesise carotenoids, they need to obtain these pigments from food, although some species metabolise dietary carotenoids (which are often yellow) into derived carotenoids (often red). Here, we study the occurrence of yellow and red carotenoid-based plumage colours in the passerines, the largest bird radiation and quantify the effects of potential ecological and life-history drivers on their evolution.

Incidence of RNA viruses infecting taro and tannia in East Africa and molecular characterisation of dasheen mosaic virus isolates.

Taro () and tannia ( sp.) plants growing in 25 districts across Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda were surveyed for four RNA viruses. Leaf samples from 392 plants were tested for cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), dasheen mosaic virus (DsMV), taro vein chlorosis virus (TaVCV) and Colocasia bobone disease-associated virus (CBDaV) by RT-PCR.

A controlled human infection model of Streptococcus pyogenes pharyngitis (CHIVAS-M75): an observational, dose-finding study.

Background: Streptococcus pyogenes is a leading cause of infection-related morbidity and mortality. A reinvigorated vaccine development effort calls for new clinically relevant human S pyogenes experimental infection models to support proof of concept evaluation of candidate vaccines. We describe the initial Controlled Human Infection for Vaccination Against S pyogenes (CHIVAS-M75) study, in which we aimed to identify a dose of emm75 S pyogenes that causes acute pharyngitis in at least 60% of volunteers when applied to the pharynx by swab.

Long-read sequencing reveals atypical mitochondrial genome structure in a New Zealand marine isopod.

Most animal mitochondrial genomes are small, circular and structurally conserved. However, recent work indicates that diverse taxa possess unusual mitochondrial genomes. In Isopoda species in multiple lineages have atypical and rearranged mitochondrial genomes.

Synthesis and SAR of novel GPR39 agonists and positive allosteric modulators.

We report a significant decrease in transcription of the G protein-coupled receptor GPR39 in striatal neurons of Parkinson's disease patients compared to healthy controls, suggesting that a positive modulator of GPR39 may beneficially impact neuroprotection. To test this notion, we developed various structurally diverse tool molecules. While we elaborated on previously reported starting points, we also performed an in silico screen which led to completely novel pharmacophores.

Validation of the Southend giant cell arteritis probability score in a Scottish single-centre fast-track pathway.

Objective: The aim was to provide external validation of the Southend GCA probability score (GCAPS) in patients attending a GCA fast-track pathway (GCA FTP) in NHS Lanarkshire.

Methods: Consecutive GCA FTP patients between November 2018 and December 2020 underwent GCAPS assessment as part of routine care. GCA diagnoses were supported by US of the cranial and axillary arteries (USS), with or without temporal artery biopsy (TAB), and confirmed at 6 months.

Migratory birds are lighter coloured.

Migratory birds undertake long and challenging journeys that have selected for a suite of adaptations from sensory mechanisms that facilitate orientation to extreme feats of endurance that push physiological limits. Recent work on two distantly related species revealed that migrating individuals increase their flight altitude dramatically during the day compared to at night. These studies suggested that the phenomenon is driven by thermoregulation: the ascent to cooler heights during the day may offset heat generated by absorption of solar radiation.

Utility of Human Immune Responses to GAS Antigens as a Diagnostic Indicator for ARF: A Systematic Review.

Previous studies have established that streptococcal antibody titer is correlated with a diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). However, results vary in the usefulness of GAS antibodies, particularly anti-streptolysin-O (ASO) and anti-DNase B, in confirming a recent GAS infection. Therefore, we sought to provide, from published studies, an evidence-based synthesis of the correlation of streptococcal serology to establish the usefulness of immunological data in aiding the diagnosis of ARF.

Design of Broadly Cross-Reactive M Protein-Based Group A Streptococcal Vaccines.

Group A streptococcal infections are a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality. A leading vaccine candidate is the surface M protein, a major virulence determinant and protective Ag. One obstacle to the development of M protein-based vaccines is the >200 different M types defined by the N-terminal sequences that contain protective epitopes.

Scottish rheumatology sonography course: five-year experience of delivering a mentorship-model rheumatology ultrasound training programme accredited by the consortium for the accreditation of sonographic education.

Background And Aims: Ultrasound training for rheumatology practice in the UK is variable. Currently, there is no agreed minimum standard for training in ultrasound applied to rheumatology patient management. We present our experiences of implementing a competency driven ultrasound training, focused on hands and feet.